Arizona is known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreational activities, including biking. While biking can be a fun and healthy way to explore the state, it can also be dangerous, especially when cyclists and motorists share the road. Bicycle accidents are unfortunately common in Arizona, and they can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. In this blog post, we will explore the role of insurance in Arizona bicycle accidents.
First, it is important to understand the types of insurance that may be involved in a bicycle accident in Arizona. There are several types of insurance policies that may come into play, including:
- Auto Insurance – If a motorist causes a bicycle accident, their auto insurance policy may be responsible for covering the damages. Arizona law requires motorists to carry liability insurance, which covers bodily injury and property damage in the event of an accident.
- Bicycle Insurance – Some cyclists may have their own insurance policy that covers them in the event of an accident. This type of insurance is not required in Arizona, but it can provide additional coverage and peace of mind for cyclists.
- Homeowners Insurance – If a bicycle accident occurs on private property, the property owner’s homeowners insurance policy may be responsible for covering the damages.
- Health Insurance – If a cyclist is injured in an accident, their health insurance policy may be responsible for covering their medical expenses.
It is important to note that not all insurance policies are created equal. For example, liability insurance policies may have limits on the amount of coverage they provide. In Arizona, the minimum liability insurance requirements are $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage. However, these minimums may not be enough to cover all of the damages in a serious bicycle accident.
Insurance companies may try to minimize the amount they pay out in claims, which can leave victims with insufficient compensation for their injuries and losses. It is important for cyclists who have been involved in an accident to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help them navigate the insurance claims process and negotiate with insurance companies on their behalf.
Another important factor to consider in Arizona bicycle accidents is the issue of fault. Arizona is a “fault” state, which means that the person or party responsible for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. In a bicycle accident, fault may lie with the motorist, the cyclist, or both. In some cases, the fault may be shared between the parties involved.
If the motorist is at fault for the accident, their liability insurance policy may cover the damages. However, if the cyclist is partially at fault for the accident, they may be responsible for a portion of the damages. This is known as “comparative negligence.”
Arizona follows a “pure comparative negligence” system, which means that each party involved in an accident is responsible for the percentage of damages that they caused. For example, if a cyclist is found to be 20% at fault for an accident, they may only be able to recover 80% of the damages from the motorist’s liability insurance policy.
In addition to insurance, there are other legal remedies that may be available to cyclists who have been injured in an accident. For example, they may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
To help prevent bicycle accidents in Arizona, it is important for both motorists and cyclists to follow the rules of the road and exercise caution when sharing the road. Motorists should be aware of their surroundings and give cyclists plenty of space when passing. Cyclists should wear helmets and other protective gear, obey traffic signals, and use hand signals to communicate their intentions.
The role of insurance in Arizona bicycle accidents is complex and can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. It is important for all parties involved to understand the types of insurance that may be involved and their respective coverage limits. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Arizona, it is important to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal and insurance issues involved.
Smith & Green, Attorneys At Law, P.L.L.C. is a law firm that has extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, including those involving bicycle accidents in Arizona. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident and are dealing with insurance-related issues, our firm can help you in several ways:
Review your insurance policies – Our attorneys can review your insurance policies to help you understand what coverage you have and what your options are for seeking compensation for your damages.
Negotiate with insurance companies – Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they pay out in claims. Our attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Investigate the accident – In order to determine who was at fault for the accident, our attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene, interview witnesses, and gather other evidence to build a strong case for you.
Pursue legal remedies – If insurance coverage is not sufficient to cover your damages, our attorneys can pursue legal remedies such as a personal injury lawsuit to help you recover the compensation you need to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Provide legal guidance and support – Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be overwhelming. Our attorneys can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need to navigate the complex insurance and legal issues involved and help you get back on your feet.
At Smith & Green, Attorneys At Law, P.L.L.C., our priority is to help our clients get the compensation they deserve after a bicycle accident. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Arizona, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.